5 Questions
What is an earthquake?
The earth-shaking that is produced by the release of energy rapidly and in seismic waves
What is the primary purpose of the Richter scale?
To measure the intensity of an earthquake
What causes a volcanic earthquake?
The movement of magma beneath the surface of the Earth
What is a collapse earthquake?
An earthquake caused by the collapse of underground caverns and mines
What is an explosion earthquake?
An earthquake caused by the detonation of a nuclear or chemical device
Study Notes
Earthquake Definition
- An earthquake is the shaking of the earth produced by the rapid release of energy in seismic waves.
Measuring Earthquakes
- Scientists use the Richter scale, developed in 1930 by seismologists Richter and Gutenberg, to measure earthquakes.
- Earthquakes are evaluated based on their duration and intensity because no two earthquakes are alike.
Types of Earthquakes
- There are four main types of earthquakes: tectonic, volcanic, collapse, and explosion.
Tectonic Earthquakes
- Produced by sudden movement along faults and plate boundaries.
Volcanic Earthquakes
- Caused by the movement of magma beneath the Earth's surface.
Collapse Earthquakes
- Produced by the explosion of rock on the surface.
- Can occur in underground caverns and mines, causing small earthquakes.
Explosion Earthquakes
- Result from the detonation of a nuclear or chemical device.
Learn about the definition of earthquakes, how they are measured using the Richter scale, and the different types of earthquakes, including tectonic, volcanic, collapse, and explosion.
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